Randy Bullock worked hard this offseason and it paid off. On Sunday, he kicked a franchise record six field goals and was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.
"It's really special," Bullock said Wednesday. "It's an honor I've never had before. It sounds like it's been something that hasn't happened here in a while. It's really special, but like I said, I'm just honored and very happy to be able to receive that, but a lot of that again is credited to Jon Weeks and Shane Lechler. They've been very, very beneficial to me."
After kicking the game-winning field goal in his first-ever NFL start at San Diego in 2013, Bullock had what he called "a roller coaster" of a first season. He missed nine field goals before successfully kicking 12-consecutive field goals to end the 2013 season. He built on his success, prepared hard in the offseason and it all contributed to the success he's having this year.
"He was 6-for-6 on field goals, kicked a PAT, was 4-for-8 as far as kickoffs for touchbacks – he just did a good job," head coach Bill O'Brien said. "I go back with him and I think the competition in training camp helped him become a more confident kicker. Just here at the end of practice today, he made some good kicks. Just like all the other positions, you're only as good as your next one, so he's got to be ready to go on Sunday but I think he did a really nice job against Baltimore."
This year, Bullock is 30-of-35 and set a new team record in points (19) with his performance against Baltimore. While kicking field goals is his job, he says he'll always prefer kicking extra points after a touchdown.
"Absolutely, for me, I want the team to do well. It's nice to get out there and play whether it's an extra point or a field goal, but to put points on the board regardless is always nice."
On Sunday, Bullock has a chance to set a franchise record for field goal attempts in a season with his next kick. With two field goals, Bullock will tie Neil Rackers' single-season franchise record of 32 field goals made.
The (8-7) Texans will host the (3-12) Jaguars in the final game of the regular season on Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. CT on CBS KHOU-11 and SportsRadio 610.
